Course units
In response to the Climate Emergency, UAL has embedded responsible practices within the curriculum. We shaped our courses around principles of social and racial justice, and environmental sustainability that ensure learning outcomes reflect the urgent need to equip you with the understanding, skills, and values for ethical practice and empower you to work towards an equitable future.
In common with all courses at the University of the Arts London, this course is credit rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Sound for Screen qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.
Year 1
Introduction to Sound for Screen (20 Credits)
This unit aims to introduce you to your course and subject specialism, as well as to effective learning and studentship at undergraduate level. You’ll be introduced to the context of sound for screen-based production workflows, critical listening, academic and planning skills needed to manage audio production in response to industry briefs.
Audio Principles (20 Credits)
This unit introduces the foundational principles of audio. You’ll study audio basics, including the physics of sound and signal flow, and gain hands-on experience with MIDI and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). The curriculum covers essential recording techniques and provides practical training in the use of the studio.
Sonic Storytelling (20 Credits)
Through this unit, you develop an understanding of how sound shapes storytelling in film, television, games, and other screen media. You’ll gain practical skills in reading scripts, designing soundscapes, and employing a range of storytelling tools to enhance the emotional and narrative impact through creative sound design.
Sound Design for Screen (40 Credits)
This unit explores the creative and technical aspects of sound design for screen media. Through practical projects, you develop skills in sound editing and synthesis within post-production workflows, learning how to shape audio to support storytelling, mood, and character across film, television, games, and animation.
Location and Studio Recording (20 Credits)
This unit provides an in-depth exploration of professional sound recording practices for screen media. You’ll learn essential techniques for capturing high-quality audio in both controlled studio environments and on location. The curriculum covers Production sound recording, studio recording, ADR, Foley, and field recording.
Year 2
Critical Studies in Sound for Screen (20 credits)
This unit develops your ability to think and write critically about sound in the context of screen media. Drawing on key frameworks from film studies and sound theory, students build the analytical tools needed to interrogate how sound constructs meaning, shapes narrative, and defines audience experience.
Interactive Audio (20 Credits)
This unit focuses on the creative and technical aspects of audio for interactive media, with an emphasis on games and interactive experiences. Through hands-on projects, you’ll gain practical skills in using industry-standard audio pipeline tools and workflows for interactive audio production.
Specialist Elective (20 Credits)
This unit offers you the opportunity to specialise in an area of your interest. You may choose one specialist elective from a range of options that cross the sound and music disciplines. Specific electives shall be determined on a yearly basis, according to staff expertise, emerging technologies and research areas, and changes in the sound and music industries, and may include: Sound and Moving image, Hardware Hacking, Songwriting and Production, Electroacoustic Music, Live Coding, Live Electronics, Improvisation and Performance, Composing for Media, Immersive audio.
Collaboration Unit (20 Credits)
This unit offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other courses and disciplines, and more widely with external collaborators. In addition, the unit focuses on enterprise, employability, professional ethics.
Mixing for Screen (40 Credits)
This unit explores advanced mixing techniques for a range of screen media formats. You’ll develop expertise in stereo, surround, and immersive sound mixes, using industry-standard hardware and software. The curriculum emphasises both the creative and technical aspects of mixing, preparing you to deliver professional-quality mixes for different formats.
Year 3
Research Project (40 Credits)
Throughout the unit, you will develop advanced research skills, critical analysis, and research project management to undertake an in-depth investigation into a specific area of sound for screen that interests you most. You can choose to present your findings either as a traditional written dissertation or as a creative audio essay accompanied by supporting text.
Final Major Project (60 Credits)
In the Final Major Project, you will design, develop, implement, and evaluate a significant creative project to a professional standard. Drawing on your research and planning skills, you will work independently or collaboratively to produce a sound screen production-related outcome that demonstrates your technical expertise and creative vision.
Professional Futures (20 Credits)
This unit is designed to prepare you for entry into the professional world by guiding you through the creation of a comprehensive portfolio. The unit also includes research into potential employment and progression opportunities within the sound and screen industries, helping you to map out clear pathways for your future career.
Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3
Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:
Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)
An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.
Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)
Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Sound for Screen (with Creative Computing).
Diploma in Storytelling (Optional)
Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Storytelling. Enhance your creative voice and discover how to engage audiences and enact change through compelling storytelling - a skill that's in demand across a range of creative industries. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Sound for Screen (with Storytelling).
